Malmesbury R.F.C. History

Welcome to "The Worthies", the ground we share with Malmesbury Cricket Club, an older sporting venture in this, England’s Oldest Borough. I am often told that Malmesbury is a Football (Soccer) town, to which I agree, however I believe that Malmesbury can be a successful town for both the Rugby and Football Codes.

You are here to watch the "Flying Monks" uphold the colours of Malmesbury in their 12th season of Rugby Union, the third season playing in the Dorset and Wiltshire North (D & W N) R.F.U. League

Why the "Flying Monks" as a nom de Plume? Well, Elmer, the original Malmesbury flying monk, was an 11th century man of invention who I am sure, having broken both legs whilst attemtping to fly from the roof of the Abbey, would have been standing on the touchline (on his crutches) supporting Malmesbury R.F.C.

When Malmesbury Rugby Club was first formed some forty years ago it was moved to Mintey as there was no suitable venue in Malmesbury itself. However, in 1995 a group led by Steve Mason and David Robson formed a club which would be based back in Malmesbury and subsequent "friendlies" were played at the back end of the ’94/95 season. Training commenced during the following summer.

The Club played nine seasons of un-sponsored rugby between ‘95-’03 and eventually took up it’s present arrangement with Malmesbury Cricket Club, building the pitch and fencing which is seen today. During the Club’s tenth season it successfully entered league rugby in Wiltshire and got within one point of the D & W 2N championship. However, having been promoted to D & W 1N the Club floundered during the ‘05/06 season due to loss of players through retirement and re-locations and was unfortunately relegated back to D & W 3N.

This season’s Captain is Aled James and we are welcoming new recruits from Hallavington Barracks, who we hope will help to re-build the club’s player base and support the Club during the ‘06/07 season. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors this year Meditrax, Altrax and Trumpf Medical Systems; whose financial support is very much appreciated.

I wish the team all the success in this year’s league and hope that the players will have no need to utilise our sponsors’ medical connections!!

I hope you enjoy the match, and return throughout the season.

Alan Walker
Hon. President, Malmesbury Rugby Football Club 2006-07